Universit� degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

ANVUR Accreditation: Unimore Earns Top National Rating in Quality Assessment

The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia has received the top rating from ANVUR, the national agency for the evaluation of the university and research system, following the periodic accreditation process under the AVA3 model. The overall assessment was “Fully satisfactory”, a distinction shared, so far, only with Politecnico di Torino among the 19 universities evaluated in the 2023–2024 period whose results have been published.

The official notification arrived on 4 April 2025, marking the conclusion of a detailed process involving the entire academic community. A key stage was the on-site visit from the Evaluation Expert Committee (CEV), which took place from 8 to 11 October 2024, preceded by an extensive self-assessment phase, review of documentation, remote interviews by the CEV, and quantitative indicator analysis conducted by ANVUR.

The AVA3 system—short for Self-Assessment, Evaluation and Accreditation (3rd ed.)—has been in effect since early 2023. It assesses the quality of Italian universities in line with the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) for higher education quality assurance. Each institution is evaluated approximately every five years through an external review by a CEV composed of academics, system experts, student reviewers, and subject specialists from other universities.

The Commission assesses five key areas of each university: Strategy, Planning and Organisation; Resource Management; Quality Assurance; Quality of Teaching and Student Services; and Quality of Research and Third Mission/Social Impact. Each area includes a series of "Points of Attention", with ratings assigned as “Not satisfactory”, “Partially satisfactory”, “Satisfactory”, or “Fully satisfactory”—the highest possible rating.

In Unimore’s case, all 24 Points of Attention received a positive rating, with 18 rated as “Fully satisfactory”.

In the first area, Strategy, Planning and Organisation, the Commission praised the University's ability to define, formalise and implement clear and consistent policies. All five Points of Attention in this category were rated “Fully satisfactory”, with particular commendation for governance structure and the role of the Student Council.

In Resource Management, seven of the ten Points were rated “Fully satisfactory”. The Commission highlighted strong financial planning, transparent resource allocation criteria, and effective management of facilities and technologies supporting teaching and research.

Even more impressive was the assessment of Quality Assurance, where all three Points of Attention received the top rating. The effectiveness of the University Quality Assurance Unit, the full functionality of the Evaluation Board, and the institutionalised culture of quality were all recognised. Review activities, ongoing monitoring, and staff training were considered well-integrated into the University's routine operations.

In the area of Teaching Quality and Student Services, all three Points received positive scores, including one “Fully satisfactory” rating. The Commission noted the alignment between strategic planning and the annual programme of study offerings, strong student guidance services, and attention to accessibility and inclusion.

In the final area—Research Quality and Third Mission/Social Impact—two out of three Points were rated “Fully satisfactory”. The Commission recognised a shared strategic vision between central governance and departments, and an effective system for monitoring departmental activities in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Unit and Evaluation Board.

The thoroughness of the review process was further demonstrated by the inclusion of selected degree programmes, PhD programmes, and departments, all assessed according to AVA3 criteria. Ten degree programmes across Modena and Reggio Emilia campuses were evaluated.

In Reggio Emilia, these included undergraduate programmes in Nursing, Management Engineering, Marketing and Business Organisation, Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, and the integrated master's degree in Primary Education. In Modena, the reviewed programmes included the integrated master’s in Medicine and Surgery, the bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, and master’s degrees in Vehicle Engineering, Labour Relations, and Languages for Communication in International Enterprises and Organisations.

Three doctoral programmes were also reviewed: Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Physics and Nano Sciences, and Reggio Childhood Studies. The departments evaluated were the Department of Physics, Computer Science and Mathematics; the “Enzo Ferrari” Department of Engineering; and the Department of Education and Human Sciences.

These evaluations also returned highly positive results, consistent with the central review. Departmental reviews highlighted clear alignment between strategic planning and actual practice, active internal monitoring systems, and transparent, efficient resource management. The doctoral programmes were commended for their educational quality, strong integration with national and international academic communities, and effective planning and monitoring. Degree programmes showed maturity in self-assessment practices, solid orientation and support systems, appropriate facilities, and increasing attention to inclusion, internationalisation and continuous improvement.

This outstanding outcome reflects the collective commitment of the entire academic community: faculty, PhD candidates, students, technical-administrative staff, programme coordinators, and departmental leaders.

The final ANVUR judgement ensures Unimore’s full accreditation for the next five years, to be formally confirmed by a decree from the Minister of Universities and Research. Unimore today stands as one of the most robust and reliable institutions within the national higher education system. The evaluation recognises a clear and shared strategic vision, sound organisational structure, high-quality learning experience, and socially relevant, impactful research. In short: a university that works—and looks to the future.

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